Which rifle for LEO squad car?

This is a discussion on Which rifle for LEO squad car? within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; I'm looking for you opinion on which rifle to put in an LEO squad car. I just applied to the Austin, TX PD academy. If ...

Which rifle for LEO squad car?

I'm looking for you opinion on which rifle to put in an LEO squad car. I just applied to the Austin, TX PD academy. If I get accepted, and make it through the academy, I would like to put a rifle in my squad car. That is if I'm allowed to. I like most every option in the poll so let me know which you picked and why. Although I'm not as impressed with the AR-15s as most others seem to be.

I posted this at TFL also, so if you're a member there this might look familiar.

I picked the Socom 16 because I like the 308 round over the .223 and 7.62x39mm. And I could use soft or hollow point rounds so over-penetration wouldn't be as much of an issue. I know long range shots would be called for. But the 308 will end the fight sooner and will penetrate barriers better. And since I wouldn't be hauling this gun around on my back I don't care it weighs 8lbs.

Ideal for CQB in densly populated urban areas (i.e. school/college shootings) where you'll have to make entry fast if you want to save lives, and be constantly moving, clearing rooms/halls/offices/etc.

Put an EOTec, CQB sling, front grip, white light and laser; keep at least 3 mags with you, not on the gun.

Does Austin PD allow their officers to choose their own rifle? I know the officers provide their own pistol from a list of approved models (an Austin PD academy instructor/SWAT guy recently did some training for my department).

Personally I'd go with the 7.62x39mm. It has the necessary range for just about any conceivable urban scenario. You're not burdened with the weight and over-penetration issues of a larger (.308) rifle, yet you still have enough "punch" to do the job. JMO

However, I doubt that a city PD is going to allow AK's or the FN models you have listed. Most of them seem to stick to AR's for the regular "beat cops."

AR /M4 . enough penetration to punch thru car doors, fast follow up shots. light weight /short length make for a fast handling carbine.
Another to consider, although expensive , would be a pistol carbine. either an AR platform or the HK 94/MP5. Although personally , I would rather have the extra range & penetration of a rifle caliber.

Yeah I'm not really looking at pistol caliber carbines. I doubt Austin of all places will let their officers carry AKs. Great rifle and fits the bill, but to iconic of evil for such a liberal town. I know the AR is the standard in current LEO rifles. I recongize what they offer and they are very ergonomic guns.

In reguards to the 308 rifles, will modern tactical ammo over-penetrate? I figured with ammo like Hornady TAP or something similar I wouldn't have to worry. And because I'll be a beat cop my uses will probably be confined to single of small groups of BGs. Probably in a vehicle or behind cover. I would suspect that most of the room clearing with rifles will be done by SWAT. If I chase a perp into a building and try to find him I won't be going back to the car for a rifle. I'll use my sidearm. That is unless I know he is armed, especially with a longarm, and is going to set up a defensive position.

Without rehashing the whole story, after a shootout here with a local guy, the .223 did not penetrate doors on a car. Many shots were fired, a .223 though the hip put the badguy down.

Since the Sheriffs turf is mostly rural, we decided to get some .308s for run-n-gun battles like the last one. The .308 will shoot though doors and in this case it may have ended the battle much quicker.

The Soccom seems like the ideal patrol rifle. Its short,points quickly and hits hard. Its is easy to get in and out of the car or trunk without hanging up on everything. That action is fairly robust. They are not cheap, but what are the lives of yourself and your buddies worth ?

I doubt that you will have any choice in the matter. If it is anything like most other Texas big-city departments, you may only carry a patrol rifle after going through an extensive qualification course and additional training to alleviate liability concerns.

Academy

Originally Posted by '75scout

I'm looking for you opinion on which rifle to put in an LEO squad car. I just applied to the Austin, TX PD academy. If I get accepted, and make it through the academy, I would like to put a rifle in my squad car. That is if I'm allowed to. I like most every option in the poll so let me know which you picked and why. Although I'm not as impressed with the AR-15s as most others seem to be.

I posted this at TFL also, so if you're a member there this might look familiar.

You might want to just concentrate on the 25 meter target first ! That being the acceptance to the academy, and successful completion of said academy. Firearms will the least of your worries.

I'm looking for you opinion on which rifle to put in an LEO squad car. I just applied to the Austin, TX PD academy. If I get accepted, and make it through the academy, I would like to put a rifle in my squad car. That is if I'm allowed to. I like most every option in the poll so let me know which you picked and why. Although I'm not as impressed with the AR-15s as most others seem to be.

I posted this at TFL also, so if you're a member there this might look familiar.